COVID-19

COVID update: Map shows highest US rates as new variant spreads The new KP.3.1.1 accounts for more than 1 in 3 cases as it continues to spread across the country, with some states more affected than others. Newsweek

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New data released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that the highest rates of infection are found in five Southern/Southwestern states, with nearly 1 in 4 COVID tests coming out positive across Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. ...

COVID vaccine efficacy against severe illness just under 50%, per early estimates from 2023 Two European observational studies estimate the vaccine effectiveness (VE) of the COVID-19 XBB.1.5 vaccine approved in fall 2023 against hospitalization, the first one finding 49% overall VE in adults, and one showing good protection—but uneven uptake—among pregnant women. CIDRAP

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COVID-related loss of smell tied to changes in the brain A new study of 73 adults recovering from COVID-19 finds that those who lost their sense of smell showed behavioral, functional, and structural brain changes. CIDRAP

..."Given the significant global incidence of COVID-19, identifying factors that can distinguish individuals at risk of developing brain alterations is crucial for prioritizing follow-up care," the study authors wrote. 

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U.S. Health and Human Services launches awareness campaign on viruses, vaccines - UPI.com Health and Human Services announced a national campaign on Monday to increase public awareness of common respiratory viruses and available vaccines. UPI

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